Education and training in electron microscopy

Abstract

There is currently a need for diagnostic electron microscopy in both autopsy and surgical pathology. As more information emerges from the research laboratories, applied electron microscopy will grow in depth, and all large medical centers will need the expertise provided by a diagnostic electron microscopy laboratory. Many physicians other than electron microscopists find it essential to have an understanding of the contributions and limitations of electron microscopy. Education and training programs therefore must encompass not only paramedical personnel who prepare the electron micrographs and pathologists who are thoroughly trained to interpret the electron micrographs, but also other physicians and scientists who utilize the information obtained therefrom. Medical students should obtain sufficient background in normal and abnormal ultrastructure to enable them to interpret the medical literature, and the means to obtain this background should be available within the medical school curriculum. Some medical students will also desire more thorough training obtained by elective courses in electron microscopy. Pathology residents should obtain sufficient expertise during their residency to enable them to utilize the information produced by the electron microscopy laboratory. Certain pathology residents and some pathologists in practice prefer fellowships for more specialized training in electron microscopy. Four representative training programs in electron microscopy from Veterans Administration hospitals have been selected for presentation. Each emphasizes a different approach and different objectives.